All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett's man of the match performance wasn't enough to save him from a post-match grilling from his disgruntled coach Steve Hansen.
"It was the first thing he said. I was expecting it," said Barrett.
His haphazard finish after a clean line break left him with an open run to the try line lead to a referral to the Third Match Official and some nervous moments in awaiting a ruling, but the Taranaki product was confident that he had grounded the ball despite some inconclusive replays.
"I was pretty confident, but when it goes to the TMO you never know what's going to happen.
"The second angle didn’t do it any justice….it was a relief when it got awarded."
The 25-year-old was eager to impress after a sub-par performance in the first Test loss in Chicago, his focus on returning to the offensive approach which has set the rugby world alight in 2016.
"Attacking the ball, that was my big mindset in this game.
"I like to take the ball flat and challenge the defense, and I wasn't doing that in Chicago."
The recently named World Rugby player of the year's influence was felt across the field, finding some much needed form off the kicking tee with a perfect three from three attempts at goal while making a handful of critical tackles - including one certain try-saving effort on the impressive Sean O'Brien.
"I've had to work hard at it because it wasn't a strength of mine a couple of years ago.
"It comes down to your attitude and how much you really want it."
Newshub.
